What’s the difference between a facial and a HydraFacial? A lot, and that’s why it’s one of the most-requested aesthetic services at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. HydraFacials have really become popular this time of year as everyone wants to achieve a dewy, youthful glow for the holidays. There’s no downtime, the treatment itself is a fantastic pampering experience, and a variety of skin issues can be addressed in a single session.
A HydraFacial features a combination of acids that include the gold standard hyaluronic (HA), glycolic, lactic, beta, and salicylic. Many consider a HydraFacial just as effective as microdermabrasion, but there’s no discomfort, redness, or downtime. Even though microdermabrasion treatments are relatively mild, those with sensitive skin or who want to instantly look their best without needing to put aside a few hours for any redness to subside will quickly fall in love with the HydraFacial.
Benefits of a HydraFacial
A HydraFacial takes 30 – 60 minutes and helps minimize discoloration, signs of aging, uneven skin texture, and (as the name implies) thoroughly quenches thirsty skin. It’s the sole hydra-dermabrasion treatment that actually uses patented technology to first cleanse, then extract, and finally hydrate the skin. A HydraFacial is a registered brand, not a generic type of facial. Only some centers are allowed to offer the HydraFacial and they must be licensed and registered with the makers of the treatment.
Every HydraFacial is customized to the client’s needs and goals. Typically, the session begins with a cleanse and light peel. This uncovered younger-looking skin below the surface is achieved with a gentle exfoliation and a very light resurfacing. Any topicals and serums added to the skin are also hand-selected just for you. Serums can help with a variety of tasks at this stage in the treatment, an example being the removal of dead skin cells. You can get results similar to a superficial peel, but without any post-peel healing such as scaliness (or, of course, actual peeling).
Hydrafacial Step by Step
Step two in the HydraFacial is Extraction. Pores get enlarged because they get clogged and are not routinely extracted. HydraFacial features an automated suction device with a vortex capability that quickly and comfortably cleans out pores. At this stage in the process, additional serums can be added to help nourish this newly-exposed skin. You can also protect your fresh pores and skin with peptides, antioxidants, and HA.
The last step is the hydration phase. The HydraFacial is designed to absolutely saturate the skin with peptides and antioxidants to optimize your glow. The serums to do this must be proprietary and chosen just for you. Clients can further enhance and extend results with at-home skin care recommended by professionals.
Why Get a HydraFacial instead of a Peel or Microdermabrasion?
There are critical differences between these treatments. Microdermabrasion requires manual extractions, but a HydraFacial treatment automates this step for a deeper, faster, and more comfortable experience. Chemical peels can be effective on some clients, usually those with lighter skin tones, but a HydraFacial is a great option no matter how much or little melanin you have. The primary reason clients prefer a HydraFacial is because it’s a soothing, relaxing experience with immediate results and no downtime.
Anyone can benefit from a HydraFacial, including those with very sensitive skin. If you’ve tried other treatments in the past and they were painful, uncomfortable, caused undesirable side effects, or the recovery was longer than you’d like, HydraFacial may be for you. Many clients treat themselves to a session every few weeks and consider it a routine procedure to look and feel their best. You can also pair HydraFacial with virtually any other treatment to maximize results or simply add a special treat to the end of your service.
At Home Care Taken to the Next Level
Properly caring for your skin requires a combination of adequate at-home care and in-office treatments. You simply can’t achieve the same level of cleanliness and hydration at home that you can with a HydraFacial. This treatment is also a great experience to give as a gift or to share with someone you love. A HydraFacial before a date night, for Valentine’s Day, or prior to any other special event is a great way to spend some time getting pampered.
Schedule your HydraFacial today by calling Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care at (408) 688-2082.